Marshall was on Villa's books during his playing career for four years, though he never made a single appearance for the club. He was also the Championship side's goalkeeping coach between 2014 and 2016.

The 43-year-old even took charge of the senior side as a caretaker manager following the sacking of Paul Lambert in 2015, beating Leicester City 2-1 in his only game in charge before Villa hired Tim Sherwood.

Steer could be recalled by Villa after impressing at Charlton, whereas Villa number one Orjan Nyland has struggled since his move to the Midlands from FC Ingolstadt. Marshall explained how likely that could be.

"They have a two-week window in January to recall Jed," Marshall said. "At the moment, we are not 100 per cent sure what is going to happen. We are in communication with Aston Villa, we're fortunate that myself and the team know Villa's team.

"Whatever happens, could be dictated by the finances and the fairplay. We're not sure on where that stands, it's really none of our business."

Steer has kept four clean sheets in 13 League One appearances, conceding only 16 goals in that time as Lee Bowyer's side sit in the top six of the division. Bowyer won the Manager of the Month award for November.

Since joining Villa in the summer of 2013, Steer has managed just nine senior appearances for Villa, acting as the club's third-choice goalkeeper for much of that. He did, though, play in Villa's opening clash against Hull City.

Will Butcher

Sports journalist who graduated in 2016 from Staffordshire University, and has since worked for Football Insider. Obsessed with anything football related. Still dreaming of a Premier League return for Leeds United.